[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING PATTY HARRELSON ON RECEIVING THE 2011-2012 PRINCIPAL 
              ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL WEBSTER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2012

  Mr. WEBSTER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate Patty 
Harrelson on receiving the 2011-2012 Principal Achievement Award for 
Outstanding Leadership. I am honored to have the opportunity to offer 
my sincere appreciation for the hard work and dedication that went into 
this well-deserved award.
  At Florida's Commissioner's Summit for Principals, Florida Education 
Commissioner Gerard Robinson awarded Ms. Harrelson the award, naming 
Ms. Harrelson the state's top principal for her leadership at Rosemont 
Elementary School. Under Ms. Harrelson's guidance and direction, the 
Orange County school improved its school accountability grade from a 
``D'' to an ``A'' in a single year.
  Taking on the responsibility of principal in 2010, Ms. Harrelson 
instituted reforms on every level, from curtailing truancy to bringing 
cutting edge technology into the classrooms. Because of her belief in 
Rosemont's students and her confidence in their ability to learn and 
meet academic standards, Ms. Harrelson worked tirelessly to raise 
expectations and reward achievement publicly.
  Her spirit of dedication and commitment to her students is an example 
of the life-changing impact a dedicated educator can have on a 
community and on the individual lives of students. She is a shining 
example of the fruits of selflessness demonstrated by our teachers and 
administrators who devote themselves to Florida's future by investing 
in Florida's children.
  On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I congratulate and 
applaud Ms. Harrelson for her hard work, dedication, and leadership. 
She is most deserving of the 2011-2012 Principal Achievement Award for 
Outstanding Leadership. May her investment in Florida's students and 
Florida's future inspire others to follow in her footsteps.

                          ____________________